At the beginning of every yoga class, I impress upon my students the importance of yogic breathing during practice. It is so important that the poses are secondary to yogic breathing; a student can consider their practice perfect, if all they do during class is yogic breathing, while adding few or no poses.

The ancient Indian system of yoga identified prana as the universal life force or energy which distinguishes the living from the dead. Start by finding a slow, deep, rhythmic breath, in through the nose and out through the nose. Then, find a ratio of inhale to exhale wherein the exhale is a little longer than the inhale; the exhale is as powerful at the end as it is in the beginning. On the initial inhale, soften the belly allowing the diaphragm to move downwards and fill up the lungs. On the exhale, drawn the navel in and up, expressing all the air out the lungs. These simple steps will: calm the mind, reduce worries and anxieties; improve focus and attention; increase energy, bringing enthusiasm and positivity; boost the immune system; rejuvenate the body and mind; and, may even slow down the aging process.

Take a moment now to become aware of your breath. Is it deep or shallow, smooth or choppy? Most of us breathe from the chest. Shallow breathing sends a signal to the brain that all is not well and we are stressed. Alternatively, breathing from the abdomen boosts respiration, ensures a rich supply of oxygen to the brain and signals that all is well. If you watch new born babies, you will see that their stomachs rise and fall as they breathe in and out. This type of breathing calms the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) our body’s fight, flight, freeze reaction and switches on the Parasympathetic Nervous System
(PNS) producing a feeling of calm and relaxation.

If we breathe a lower volume of air by breathing in a slow controlled fashion through the nose, we increase the amount of carbon dioxide, and can deliver more oxygen to our muscles and organs including the heart and brain. Breathing in and out more air than necessary results in hypocapnia, a state of reduced carbon dioxide in the blood. You inhale and exhale too much when breathing in and out the mouth. This reduces oxygen to the brain and body tissues. Nasal breathing increases the levels of nitric oxide. A key signaling molecule used throughout the body. It regulates air flow and helps prevent
over-breathing.

More professional athletes are now using the ancient wisdom of pranayama breathwork to excel at their sport. Ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, seven-time consecutive winner of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, states that slowing down his breath rate and breathing from his belly through his nose, is essential to his athletic success.

Pay attention to your breath. Breathing in and out of the mouth signals the nervous system that something is wrong. Mouth breathing means difficult breathing and this, in turn, means deficient oxygenation of the tissues with the result of lowered vital organ and brain activity. To move from the SNS into the PNS, find an everyday situation and train your brain to start automatically breathing yogic breath. One suggestion is when driving, each time you come to a stop light, soften your belly and inhale then exhale slowly always through the nose. Over time you will naturally begin to exist in a state of calm and relaxation, instead of in a state of constant stress and anxiety.

Thank You to Trudee Sanbonmatsu, Park City’s Best Yoga Instructor 2015 & 2016 for taking the time to prepare this article. If you feel it’s time to benefit from Yoga -try a class with Trudee, check out her studio website, Yoga Kula Project for classes and times. Namaste! 💚🙏🕉🌸

Attention Parkites! The 2016 Park City Farmer’s Market Season Grand Opening is tomorrow, June 1st from noon till 6pm at Canyons Park City. Make sure you stop by and check out the best local veggies and fruits Utah farmers have to offer! There are also dozens of amazing vendors and artists that you will want to check out. With live music and our beer garden to keep you entertained, you wont want to miss this event, see you tomorrow! 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤

Hey Park City market fans! We hope your having a great winter and holiday season. If your looking for something to do this weekend, check out the Dickens Christmas Festival at the South Town Expo Center in Salt Lake City -your favorite European Style Artisan Bread, Volker’s Bakery will be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Hey #ParkCity market fans, the season is not over! In fact, this is the BEST time of year to get your fruits and veggies the harvests are in full bloom, stop by tomorrow from noon till 6pm at the Canyons Resort -see you there! 💙💜💛💚💓

#Repost 📷 @farmer_andrea.m

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Time to stock up on #hardneckgarlic! #getsome today @ranui_gardens at the #parkcityfarmersmarket 12-6pm#Repost @farmer_andrea.m with @repostapp

How many home gardeners do we have in Park City? The Farmers Market wants to see what YOU are up to back there! Join us in our Instagram contest for a chance to win $100 (the winner will receive $50 certificate to spend at the market and $50 cash).

Hey Park City market fans its going to be an amazing day at the farmers market. We have a full house of local farmers and everyone is loaded up with the best veggies and fruits Utah has to offer! Support your local vendors and enjoy, we have fantastic music from Rich Wyman to start the market from noon till 2:30pm, SEE YOU THERE! 💟🍎🍊🍐🌽🍅🍆🍏🍒🌿